Chopped Italian Sandwich: The Viral Sensation You NEED to Try!

There’s something utterly magical about a perfectly crafted deli sandwich, isn’t there? That symphony of savory meats, zesty veggies, and tangy dressing, all tucked into a crusty roll. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate that classic experience, making every single bite a perfectly balanced explosion of flavor? Enter the Chopped Italian Sandwich! This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation, taking everything you love about a classic Italian Sub and turning it into a bite-sized flavor explosion that’s been setting social media alight.

Imagine the crisp crunch of lettuce, the smoky notes of salami and pepperoni, the sharp kick of provolone, and the vibrant tang of banana peppers, all finely diced and tossed in an irresistible Italian vinaigrette. Then, picture that glorious medley piled high on a fresh, crusty sub roll. It’s simple, it’s fresh, and it’s utterly addictive. Perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or impressing guests, this sandwich is about to become your new go-to. Let’s get chopping!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

What You’ll Need for Your Chopped Italian Sandwich

This recipe shines because of its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the good stuff – it truly makes all the difference!

• For the Sandwich Filling:
   1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, finely shredded
   1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced and then chopped
   1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered, or 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
   1/2 cup jarred banana peppers, drained and chopped
   1/4 cup sliced black olives, chopped (optional)
   6 slices provolone cheese, finely chopped
   4 oz deli-sliced genoa salami, finely chopped
   4 oz deli-sliced pepperoni, finely chopped
   4 oz deli-sliced ham or capicola, finely chopped
• For the Dressing:
   1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
   2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
   1 teaspoon dried oregano
   1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
   1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• For Serving:
   4 crusty sub rolls or hoagie buns
   Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on rolls)

How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwich

This is where the magic happens! Get ready for some satisfying chopping.

1. Prep Your Veggies: On a large cutting board, finely shred or chop your lettuce. Add the thinly sliced and then chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, chopped banana peppers, and chopped black olives (if using).
2. Add Meats and Cheese: To the same cutting board, add your finely chopped provolone cheese, genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham/capicola. The goal is to get everything into small, uniform pieces so you get a bit of everything in each bite!
3. Chop Away! Using a large chef’s knife or two bench scrapers, begin to continuously chop through all the ingredients on the board. You want to mix and chop until everything is well combined and diced to your desired consistency – think deli-style finely chopped salad.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Dress and Mix: Pour the dressing over the chopped ingredients on your board. Using your knife or scrapers again, continue to chop and mix everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. The magic truly happens as you mix the chopped ingredients, bringing that quintessential Italian Sub flavor profile to life.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice your sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each roll.
7. Pile it High: Generously scoop the chopped Italian mixture into each sub roll, pressing down slightly to compact it. Once everything is perfectly chopped, you’re just moments away from devouring your incredible Chopped Italian Sandwich.
8. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your masterpiece right away for the best texture and flavor!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

The beauty of the Chopped Italian Sandwich is its versatility!

• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to your dressing or include chopped jalapeños or pepperoncini in your mix.
• Different Meats: Swap out the meats for turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian version with grilled zucchini and bell peppers.
• Cheese Please: Try different cheeses like fresh mozzarella, smoked gouda, or even some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
• Wrap It Up: Instead of sub rolls, spoon the mixture into large lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or use large flour tortillas for a chopped Italian wrap!
• Salad Style: Skip the bread entirely and serve the chopped mixture as a hearty, vibrant salad. Think of it as a deconstructed Italian Sub with a fun, modern twist!
• Serving Suggestions: This sandwich is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a side of potato chips, a cup of tomato soup, or a simple green salad. Whether you stick to the classic or get creative, the Chopped Italian Sandwich is always a winner.

User Reviews

Chef_Gina (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been making this weekly since I saw it trending. It’s so fresh, satisfying, and infinitely better than any deli version I’ve had. The chopping technique really makes all the flavors meld perfectly. A game-changer!”

SandwichFanatic22 (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “So good! My family devoured these. I added some extra oregano to the dressing and a little hot cherry pepper relish to the mix for a kick. Definitely a new favorite, though it does take a bit of chopping.”

HealthyEatsLover (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “I made this as a chopped salad without the bread, and it was incredible! All the delicious flavors of an Italian sub without the carbs. The dressing is spot on. Will be making this regularly.”

FAQs About the Chopped Italian Sandwich

Q: Can I make the chopped mixture ahead of time?
A: You can chop the meats and cheeses a day in advance and store them separately. For the best texture, chop the lettuce and tomatoes and mix with the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Q: What kind of bread works best?
A: Crusty sub rolls, hoagie buns, or even a fresh ciabatta loaf sliced into portions work wonderfully. The key is a sturdy bread that can hold up to the substantial filling.

Q: Can I use different deli meats?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite Italian deli meats like mortadella, soppressata, or even turkey if you prefer a lighter option. A mix of textures and flavors is key.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: The chopped mixture (undressed) will last 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Once dressed and put into a sandwich, it’s best eaten within a few hours, as the bread can get soggy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
• 1 large ripe tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced and then chopped
• 1/4 cup banana peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
• 6 slices provolone cheese, chopped
• 6 slices deli ham, chopped
• 6 slices genoa salami, chopped
• 6 slices pepperoni, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hoagie rolls or ciabatta rolls

Instructions

1️⃣ Chop the Filling
Place the salami, pepperoni, ham, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pepperoncini on a cutting board.
Chop everything together into small bite-sized pieces.

2️⃣ Mix
Add mayonnaise, Italian dressing, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Toss and chop together until fully combined and creamy.

3️⃣ Assemble
Slice the sub roll open and fill generously with the chopped mixture.

4️⃣ Serve
Slice in half and enjoy immediately!

Chef’s Notes: This viral sandwich combines all the classic Italian deli flavors into one satisfying, easy-to-eat bite. The key is to chop everything finely and dress it well before assembling. Feel free to customize the meats and cheeses to your liking!